Portland’s picturesque natural scenery, variety of cultural offerings, and cutting-edge cuisine make it one of the top destinations on the West Coast. The City of Roses is an oenophile's dream featuring the SE Wine Collective - a space where dozens of local producers showcase wines - and more than 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley. You won’t want to miss out on sampling the local cuisine at Ataula, Ken's Artisan Bakery, and Imperial.
The NW Food and Wine Festival has been the leading food and wine experience in Portland for over a decade, and it will take place November 11 at the Oregon Convention Center. This year’s event will showcase the best foods, wines, chefs, spirits, and beers in the Northwest. Attendees will encounter hundreds of wines available to sample from dozens of the top wineries in the region. Food and wine producers will also host demonstrations where they will introduce new products and equipment. Paid entry allows attendees to sample food and beverages without individual tasting charges. Patrons will even have the opportunity to meet with chefs, brewers, and others to learn more about their products and methods. Purchase of a VIP Grand Tasting ticket includes a tasting glass, special beer tasting by Stella Artois, unique keepsake, and an overall preview of all the participating wineries and restaurants. We interviewed the Owner of the event, Chris Finks, to learn more about this spectacular showcase of food and drink.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CF: The NW Food & Wine Festival is in its 12th year. We are excited about our new location at the Oregon Convention Center (Exhibit Hall E) as we think it will provide our guests and exhibitors with an improved experience.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CF: We typically draw approximately 2,000 guests and more than 100 vendors.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
CF: Since our event features wine, spirits, and beers, it's for adults 21 years and older. It's a perfect event for couples and groups of friends.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CF: Unlike nearly all similar events, your entry fee affords the attendee to sip, sample, and enjoy without tasting charges. The event offers an opportunity to speak directly with the winemakers, distillers, chefs, and food purveyors. Dozens of restaurants will offer gourmet food tastes, and an array of pairing options will be available. Guests will receive a wine glass and be able to navigate the floor, tasting, savoring and seeing the bounty of the Northwest and more. There are no additional charges for tasting on the event floor.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
CF: Tasting of the very best wines, foods, beers, and spirits the Northwest. Our attendees have lots of great conversations in a warm and friendly environment.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
CF: Yes, we have regional winemakers, brewers, distillers, and chefs.
RAL: What is the overall atmosphere like?
CF: Our event kicks off the holiday season as it is only a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. Attendees are usually dressed for an evening out, but not too dressy. The vibe is warm and reminds many people of being at a great party. The wines, beers, spirits, and foods are outstanding as are the people that attend.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CF: There are many unique lodging options in Portland which is famous for its fantastic dining and hospitality options. Check out our website to assist with selecting local lodging.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CF: Yes, it supports regional wineries, distilleries, restaurants, and unique food industries directly and indirectly.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CF: It's a rare opportunity to have access to some of the very best in the Northwest. We’ve gathered the region's best wines, distilled spirits, beers and exceptional foods, all in one place. The timing is perfect because guests can make discoveries for their holiday entertainment. Most attendees have come for many years and see it as the kick-off to the holiday season. We hear time and time again about how much fun people have at our event!
For more information about the NW Food and Wine Festival, please visit the event website.